Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

09/06/2026

Royal Life Saving Australia congratulates Mr David Macallister OAM on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC. This honour reflects his longstanding commitment to aquatic safety and the significant contribution he has made to Royal Life Saving and the broader community.

We are incredibly proud to congratulate Mr David Macallister OAM on being recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours with the Medal of the Order of Australia for his outstanding service to Royal Life Saving and the aquatic industry.

David’s contribution to our organisation and the wider community spans decades — from volunteer, athlete and instructor, through to transformative leadership as CEO of Royal Life Saving NSW.

His passion, leadership and commitment have helped shape Royal Life Saving into the trusted organisation it is today, supporting hundreds of thousands of people through training courses, swimming, water safety and lifesaving education programs across NSW and beyond.

This recognition is incredibly well deserved and reflects a lifetime dedicated to saving lives, strengthening communities and inspiring others.

Congratulations David and thank you for everything you have done for Royal Life Saving and the communities we serve.

Read more via our blog: https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/post/congratulations-to-mr-david-macallister-oam

05/06/2026

Planning to spend the June long weekend on or near the water?

Make the Right Call and look out for your family and friends while holidaying, camping, or boating on our beautiful waterways.

✔️ Avoid alcohol around water
✔️ Wear a lifejacket when on the water
✔️ Don’t go alone

Conditions can change quickly. Shifting weather means familiar rivers, lakes, and beaches may not be as safe as they were yesterday.

Whether you’re heading to a favourite spot or somewhere new, check conditions before you go and be ready to change your plans.

Have an enjoyable and safe long weekend.

Stay updated: bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app
Learn more: royallifesaving.com.au/maketherightcall

04/06/2026

Royal Life Saving Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Brad Maunsell, former AUSTSWIM CEO. Brad was a respected leader in the aquatics and water safety community. He was warm and genuine, and cared deeply about the people he worked with.

During his time with AUSTSWIM, Brad made a lasting contribution to swimming and water safety education, and to the many people and organisations dedicated to preventing drowning. Brad championed the importance of aquatic educators (teachers of swimming and water safety), and he worked hard to ensure their voices were valued.

Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr said
"Brad was always eager to support collective efforts to reduce drowning and empower communities to be safe around water. His openness, generosity and willingness to help will be fondly remembered by all who worked with him.

Brad will be remembered with great respect, gratitude and affection by his friends and colleagues at Royal Life Saving and by many across the aquatic community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Brad’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him."

04/06/2026

Early bird registration for the 2026 National Water Safety Summit closes this Friday 5 June. 💧

The draft program is now live, providing a high-level overview of plenaries, breakout sessions and workshops that explore the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 National Imperatives, as well as key topics such as technology and AI, policy and partnerships, regional and remote communities, workforce, and priority populations.

This year’s program also features a workshop spotlight on Drowning in Local Government Policy. Building on the AWSS 2030 imperative to localise water safety efforts, the session will explore opportunities to advance water safety in local government policy and practice and is facilitated by Dan Graham, Curtin University. Other featured workshops include focused interactive sessions on child drowning prevention, aquatic facility infrastructure, and swimming and water safety skills.

Early bird registration: https://bit.ly/4ucHq8U
Draft program: https://bit.ly/4uPx9AR

02/06/2026

Only one month to go until the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC26) in Melbourne on 1–2 July 2026. Royal Life Saving Australia is pleased to once again support the Aquatics and Leisure Management Stream and the attendance of 10 Emerging Leader Scholars.

NSC26 brings together more than 2,000 professionals from across sport, recreation, local government, education, play and community sectors to explore the future of participation, leadership, facilities, technology and active communities. Professionals interested in the future direction of the aquatics and leisure industry, and in contributing to sector-wide conversations, are encouraged to register.

🔗 Register here:

As wellness, ageing and lifestyle expectations evolve, aquatic and leisure facility management must adapt.

31/05/2026

World Drowning Prevention Day is the 25th July. Each year countries around the globe acknowledge this day to increase awareness and promote safety actions to prevent accidental drowning deaths.

This week we're excited to launch our World Drowning Prevention Day Competitions! There are two options:
1. Colouring-in competition - 3 to 14 years
2. Persuasive writing competition - 8 to 14 years

Competitions will close 12th July and winners will be announced on 20th July.
Enter now for the chance to win a Zoggs prize pack valued at $140.

👉 https://bit.ly/4wXVFkq

31/05/2026

Water means Knowledge, Healing and Life.

This National Reconciliation Week, Royal Life Saving is sharing voices from its Cultural Connections to Water research - co-designed with First Nations community members to understand what water safety truly means to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, waterways carry stories, identity and spiritual meaning that are inseparable from Country. These videos bring community perspectives to life, linking cultural knowledge to water safety programs that are accessible, respectful and community-informed.
The research found that effective water safety initiatives must be developed in partnership with communities - not delivered to them.

By embedding Indigenous knowledge systems into programs, Royal Life Saving supports stronger, safer and more culturally connected experiences for all.

Read more about this report: https://bit.ly/3FcZxbu

29/05/2026

Early bird registration closes in one week, and momentum is building for the 2026 National Water Safety Summit. 💧

Join sector leaders, practitioners and researchers as they come together to share insights, highlight innovation and focus on future priorities in drowning prevention.

Secure your place at the early bird rate by 5 June: https://bit.ly/3RaGnbQ

28/05/2026

Get ready for ! 🏊‍♂️

We have an exciting lineup of Pre-Competition Workshops taking place on Wednesday, 24 June.

Coaches Schedule
🔹 12:30pm–1:00pm: ILS Rule Changes Workshop | RLS WA Office
🔹 1:30pm–2:30pm: Coaching Workshop with Bec Hartman | Perth HPC 50m Pool (via back door)
🔹 2:30pm–3:30pm: Coaches & Managers Meeting (Accreditation collection from 2:00pm) | RLS WA Office
🔹 3:45pm–4:45pm: SERC Workshop (Coaches) | RLS WA Office

Officials Schedule
🔹 10:00am–12:30pm: Officials Workshop (Level 2) | RLS WA Office
🔹 12:30pm–1:00pm: ILS Rule Changes Workshop | RLS WA Office
🔹 2:30pm–3:30pm: SERC Workshop (Officials) | RLS WA Office
🔹 3:45pm–4:45pm: Officials Meeting (Accreditation collection from 3:00pm) | RLS WA Office

🔗 Registrations:
Workshops are free, but registration is required. You can register for your sessions via the link below: https://bit.ly/4ugZQFQ

(Note: The ILS Rule Changes Workshop does not require registration.)

27/05/2026

Have you ever wished you had experienced swim teachers and swim school operators at your fingertips to help you tackle your biggest challenges?

In our next RLSSA Education Webinar, we’re bringing together experienced professionals from across Australia to share insights, practical advice and real-world solutions from the pool deck.

This Ask an Expert session is a knowledge-sharing discussion designed to support both new and experienced teachers and swim school operators.

What’s in it for you?
You’ll hear practical teaching insights from industry professionals and have the opportunity to learn from real questions raised by swim teachers and swim schools around Australia.

Got a question you want answered?
Add your questions in the space provided on the registration page.

📅 Thursday 25 June
⏰ 1:00PM AEST
➡ Register here: https://bit.ly/4eTkisd